Minn. delegation seeks to preserve Tricare vets' health program

Minnesota's congressional delegation is asking Defense Secretary Robert Gates to save a military health system that serves about 1,200 active and retired military personnel and their families in Minnesota.

Gov. Tim Pawlenty sent a letter to the delegation Wednesday expressing concern over the possible termination of a so-called Tricare contract.

Tricare provides health services through civilian and military doctors and hospitals. Pawlenty's letter says the Fairview Columbia Park group of clinics is expected to terminate its Tricare contract in January, affecting participants in Andover, Blaine, Fridley and Columbia Heights.

U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar said she is sending a letter to Gates on behalf of Minnesota's Congressional delegation.

"When they signed up to serve our country there wasn't a waiting line," she said. "If they come home and they have picked the Fairview network for their Tricare we want to try to do everything we can to allow them to stick wih those doctors in that network,"

Fairview Health Services released a statement saying it's also working with Tricare to ensure there is no disruption to the program.